UFC 155-lb. Champion, Challenger Positive for Steroids

UFC lightweight champion Sean
Sherk(Pictures) has tested positive for
Nandrolone Metabolite following his title defense July 7 in
Sacramento, Calif, the state's athletic commission revealed
Thursday. Sherk scored a dominating five-round decision win over
Brazilian Hermes Franca(Pictures), whom the CSAC also said
tested positive for the banned substance Drostanolone.

After testing both "A" and "B" samples of the urine specimen
provided by Sherk the day before the fight, the UFC champion's
Nandrolone level was certified by the Director of Science and
Technology at the lab conducting the tests at 12 ng/ml, two times
higher than the threshold allowed by the CSAC, said the state
regulatory body.

The Minnesotan lightweight has been fined $2,500 and suspended 365
days from the date of the fight, including an additional 10 days
that would need be served if Sherk reapplied for a license to fight
in the Golden State.

Calls to Sherk and his trainer Greg Nelson were not immediately
returned.

Franca was also fined $2,500 -- the maximum fine the CSAC can levy
-- and suspended through July 5, 2008. The Brazilian told
MMAweekly.com that he had used a "banned substance" prior to the
fight.

"I offer only an explanation and not an excuse," Franca said. "I
made a decision during a difficult time in my training for the
fight that I regret."

Saying an injured ankle prompted him to look for ways to
"accelerate the healing process" Franca said he made the
"shortsighted" choice to use a banned substance. "Under the
pressure of literally not being able to pay next months bills I
made a choice," he told MMAweekly. "I had to fight and did whatever
I could to do so."

This news comes on the heels of a CSAC report that revealed 28
violations, including nine for steroids, of its anti-doping policy
from March 31, 2007 through July 6, 2007. Seventeen of the 28
violators were fighters in mixed martial arts contests.